The sixth-seeded pair won in straight games with a score of 21-10, 23-21 in the match at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Friday, thus securing a place in the semifinals.
"In the first game, we were pretty much in control, but in the second, they changed their game plan, and we fell behind. In the crucial moments, Fajar kept encouraging us, saying the match wasn't over and we could still win," Fikri said in an official PBSI statement on Friday.
Fajar/Fikri dominated the first game with aggressive play and complete control of the rallies. However, the Indian pair rallied in the second game and put Fajar/Fikri under pressure after falling behind until the final points.
Fikri revealed that the opponent's changing playing style made the situation difficult, but communication and mutual trust were the differentiating factors at crucial moments.
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